By Omonu YG Nelson
Culture is the bedrock of national development and the driving force of social progress. This was the message from Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, at the opening of the China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta 2023 – Dancing Competition in Abuja on Tuesday.
Xuda reiterated that China and Nigeria are both cultural giants with a long history, and that culture plays an important role in their national independence and revitalization. He also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in promoting people-to-people communication and understanding.
The China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta has become a well-known cultural brand in Abuja, and Xuda encouraged the students participating in the dancing competition to not only learn scientific and technological knowledge, but also to master cultural skills. He expressed his belief that the cultural fiesta would provide them with an amazing platform to strengthen their courage, improve their abilities, showcase their talents, and build their friendships.
In his remarks, Director/Secretary of FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr Mohammed Ladan, expressed his appreciation to the Cultural Counselor and the Chinese Embassy for sponsoring the event annually and for providing very beneficial prizes to the schools. He also noted that the event has been going on annually for more than a decade and it is jointly organized by the Culture Office of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board.
Ladan emphasized the importance of the event in promoting cultural exchange between Nigeria and China, and in providing an avenue for students to unwind, socialize, and earn prizes that have been helpful to the schools. He also pledged to continue to promote Chinese culture in Nigerian schools and Nigeria as a whole.
The highlight of the event was the dancing competition among 10 public secondary schools in Abuja in three main categories, namely Chinese songs, Chinese dance, and Nigerian songs and dance.
Summary:
Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of culture in national development and social progress. He encouraged students to master cultural skills and to participate in cultural exchange activities.
The China-Nigeria Cultural Fiesta is a well-known cultural brand in Abuja that promotes cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. It is jointly organized by the Culture Office of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the FCT Secondary Education Board.
The highlight of the event was the dancing competition among 10 public secondary schools in Abuja in three main categories, namely Chinese songs, Chinese dance, and Nigerian songs and dance.